Is My Child Eligible for an ESA in SC?

To be eligible this year, students must meet all the following:

Be a resident of South Carolina;

Be in kindergarten through 12th grade (not exceeding age 22);

Have a household income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. See below:

Persons in Household	Household Income, 300% FPL
1	$46,950
2	$63,450
3	$79,950
4	$96,450
5	$112,950
6	$129,450
7	$145,950
8	$162,450

These numbers are calculated based on the 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. For households over 8, add $16,500 for each additional person. If a family is expecting a baby to be born in 2025, that baby can be counted as a household member for the purposes of determining income eligibility (medical documentation will need to be submitted with your application). The calculation is based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), plus some nontaxable income. For more information on what is considered in this income calculation, visit our FAQ page.

This income threshold will change in the coming years. For 2026-27 and beyond, eligible household income is 500% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Priority Applicants:

If your student meet one or more of the following criteria, they are eligible for early priority in the ESTF program’s applications. More info on priority applications to come.

Sibling(s) of current ESTF students
Children of active duty military
Household is at or below 300% of the federal poverty line
Student attended public school during the previous school year (2024-25)

How It Works:

1. DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Using the criteria above, determine if your student is eligible to receive a ESTF scholarship for the 2025-26 school year. Reach out if you have questions or check out our FAQs page if you aren’t sure.

2. FILL OUT THE APPLICATION

Families can apply for these $7,500 scholarships through the ClassWallet portal. Spots are limited and accepted on a rolling basis, so apply soon! You will need the following documents to apply:

– Proof of guardianship (tax return with dependents listed, birth certificate, etc.)

– Proof of income (2023 or 2024 tax return documentation. If you don’t file taxes, you’ll need to provide information on income, like a Medicaid card with your Medicaid ID number listed)

– Proof of residency (driver’s license or state-issued ID, utility bill, etc.)

3. PICK A PROVIDER

Private schools and other education service providers are currently applying to accept ESTF funds. You can log into your ClassWallet portal to see the most up-to-date list of provider options. Note that private school education service providers are not currently being listed on the ClassWallet portal, as legislation pends to allow ESTF to be used for private school tuition. If there is a school in your community you wish to see on the list, call them and ask them to get signed up as an education service provider! Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive an email from ClassWallet with more information and trainings on how to use your education scholarship account.

4. TRANSFER FUNDS

Once you are approved and pick your education service provider, you can direct payments from your education scholarship account to make payments and purchases for your child’s education. Funds will be loaded into your accounts in four installments throughout the year.